In a two-day event titled "Bridging RD and E Programs of BIOTECH-UPLB to State Universities and Colleges: Introduction to Biotechnology Research on Industry, Energy, and Environment," academia met industry head-on at CatSU's Auditorium on September 7-8, 2023.The event drew attendees from the College of Science Faculty, Researchers, Staff, and Students.Dr. Francisco B. Elegado, the training coordinator, and Research Professor from UPLB, delivered a lecture emphasizing the importance of industrial biotechnology in converting agricultural materials to high-value products.He also discussed the applications of Nano biotechnology for the rapid detection of environmental contaminants.Dr. Ronilo P. Violanta presented BIOTECH innovations for agriculture, food, and feed industries, while Dr. Silvino D. Merca, a seed pathologist, addressed Human Factors in the Environment and Socio-Economic Changes.University Researcher Dr. Kristine Rose M. Ramos shared strategies for screening and characterizing microbes for heavy metal bioremediation, and Dr. Richard D. Tambalo explored the microbiological degradation of plastics and bioplastics.University Researcher Johnry S. Maloles provided technical insights into the screening of enzyme-producing microbes, while University Researcher Irene G. Pajares discussed the latest methods for isolating and screening yeasts with the potential for bioethanol and biodiesel production. Day two featured pre-lab lectures and hands-on laboratory activities, applying the concepts learned during the symposium, enriching participants' understanding and practical skills." #ATugay
Achieving the highest honor as part of the youth’s most outstanding solid group, one of the delegates of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), Donna Mae N. Ramirez, was awarded of the much-coveted Magnus Medal and Magnus Testimonial during the 10th Philippines I Transform! Young Leaders' Convention (PITYLC).For 22-year-old interim editor-in-chief of CatSU Statesman, the award that the members of her team received represents their commitment and dedication to notch a remarkable feat. “The honor belongs not only to me but also to my extraordinary team, the SG 11, who has labored and bridged the gap considering that we are from different regions in the Philippines to achieve excellence,” Ramirez wrote in her Facebook post on August 21.“I am now excited to share the learnings with my community and to the University as it will reflect the experiences I acquired,” she added while looking forward to steering an echo-training of the five-day event at the university.The Magnus Medal award was bestowed to an individual or group of participants who exemplifies remarkable performance throughout the conduct of the 10th PITYLC.Bearing the theme “A Decade of Action, Championing Sustainable Communities," other CatSU delegates who took part in the event were University Student Council President Francine Mae Tayo, together with her Vice President, Richard Abenir, and Christian Sta. Ines.Joining also different academic contests in the leadership training, Ramirez participated in English essay writing, while Abenir joined the advocacy photo contest and Sta. Ines took part in poster making. Apart from showcasing young leaders’ talents, the annual convention provides an opportunity for them to harness their leadership capabilities and become transformational leaders who are capable of making lasting impacts on the community.“We are the leaders of today, and we have the power to be the leaders of tomorrow,” the Magnus Medal awardee concluded. Yesterday, August 21, was the last day of the five-day leadership training organized by Youthlead Philippines, which kicked off on August 17 at Teacher’s Camp, Baguio City. #AGC
One of the ‘best selling’ authors from the University of the Philippines - Los Baños, Prof. Jerry R. Yapo, launched a landmark book about his personal life experiences with featured artwork in every narrative.Yapo on Monday, August 14, unveiled his 12-essay book ‘Artfully Speaking and Other Essays’ along with the students, faculty, and officials of the Catanduanes State University. The book was published by San Anselmo Publication Inc., and the launching was held at the university lobby and graced by CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza. “We always wanted to balance the sciences, and the culture and arts, and that is actually what you brought us here in CatSU,” the CatSU president stated, recognizing the support of his former professor from UPLB. Addressing the participants, Prof. Yapo advised aspiring writers that ‘writing is not a 100m dash, it is a marathon, be patient’. “You need to read to breathe in, write to breathe out,” he explained. Following the book launching and signing ceremony, the publisher, through Prof. Yapo, handed copies of assorted books to Dr. Azanza, for the university library. Meanwhile, commissioned paintings, that were included in the book, are presently displayed in the lobby for a week-long Art Exhibit, from August 14-17. ‘Artfully Speaking and Other Essays’ was sold at P375 and its signed copies are still available at the Corporate Communications and Multimedia Services, ground floor, CatSU Main Building. Prof. Yapo is set to render a lecture on ‘Writing for Publication’, on Tuesday, August 15, at the university’s Accreditation Room. #AGC.
Catanduanes State University’s newest students were warmly welcomed through the Academic Year Starter event spearheaded by the University Student Council on Monday, August 14, the first day of school, held at the CatSU gymnasium.The event — which features remarks from university officials and student leaders, and showcasing booths from various colleges — marks the students’ entry into the CatSU community.University President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza welcomed the first-year students inside a jam-packed gymnasium, noting that this was the pioneer batch who will enjoy the benefits of different projects in the university such as the four brand new buses, student center, and library to name a few.“Ang apat na bagong bus na maabot ay hari an sa savings kan university. Patunay na pagmatanos ang pamamayo sa unibersidad, gabalik sa mga estudyante ang biyaya,” the president shared. “Yaasahan ko na dae niyo sasayangon ang free education kan gobyerno ta iyan ang mabag'o kan puturo nindo pati kan saindong pamilya,” he reminded the newest students of the university and asked everyone to cheer 'Mabuhay ang CatSU'.Joining the president, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo also expressed her warm welcome and Office of the Students Affairs and Development Services (OSADS) Director Prof. Francis John B. Templonuevo assured the student-attendees that “student’s welfare is always a top priority” of their office. Following the event, the first-year students will embark on a campus tour in the afternoon which is dubbed as ‘Freshies Walk’ by USC. As of today, August 14, 12,128 undergraduates were enrolled for the first semester, 4,123 of whom are first-year students, according to the university registrar. #AGC
The construction of Catanduanes People’s Center inside the campus of the Catanduanes State University, which will serve as one-stop-shop for satellite offices of national agencies, is set to start this week. CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, represented by Executive Vice President Dr. Bernardino C. Abundo Jr., along with Congressman Eulogio ‘Leo’ Rodriguez, Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) Assistant District Engineer Max Eleda and other government officials, witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for the P47 million project on Friday, August 11.“I remember the numerous times Cong. Leo Rodriguez and I met with Senator Francis Tolentino in the halls of Senate to seek budget for the People’s Center that shall rise inside CATSU to serve as a one-stop-shop for processing important documents needed to be able to study, work, travel, and for other purposes,” the president recounted on how it was started. “Surely, this is going to help many Catandunganons and I wish to congratulate Cong. Leo for having turned this into reality during his term of office,” he added.The said one-stop-shop facility in the island-province will help Catandunganons to efficiently secure pertinent documents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for clearances, Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC) for identification cards and other certifications, and passports to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to name a few.It can be remembered that in 2022, CatSU offered at least 1,000 square meters of its lot under a usufruct agreement with the congressional office in order to house the facility. Joining also the event were Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs Engr. Benjamin Hannycel Nuyda, Philippine Information Agency - Catanduanes chief Edna Bagadiong, Radyo Pilipinas Station Manager Arlene O. Bagadiong, CatSU Information Officer Anjo G. Tugay, and other officials. #AGC
The tradition of excellence lives on as the Catanduanes State University - Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (CatSU-JPIA) bagged major awards in the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (NFJPIA) - Region V Council’s Year-End Awards (YEA) held at the Royal Emelina in Naga City on July 22, 2023.Garnering the highest points among the 14 participating State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), the CatSU-JPIA was hailed as the Most Outstanding Local Chapter across bicol for their consistent display of exemplary performance throughout the federation year 2022-2023.With their high-level commitment to conducting local chapter activities and active participation in regional and national activities, CatSU-JPIA was also conferred with the awards as the Most Active Local Chapter and Most Productive Local Chapter in the NFJPIA – Region V community.According to CatSU-JPIA President Darcy Rinsfer B. Tabor, who also won the Most Outstanding Local Chapter President, the key to winning these awards was the members’ commitment to fulfilling their duties and responsibilities as JPIA officers, underscoring their willingness to explore and carry out the organization’s projects.He likewise commended the university’s all-out support when it comes to implementing their projects and letting them participate in various regional and national activities, which became their edge over other JPIA local chapters.“The university’s support became our edge among the different local chapters. They allowed us to participate in different opportunities and activities in this federation year whereas others are somewhat strict and did not allow them to participate. ”“This only show that CatSU and CatSU-JPIA can keep up or even become more productive, progressive, and competitive despite the prestige and calibers of different colleges and universities,” Tabor added.Recognizing the legacy left by the previous federation officers of JPIA-CatSU, Tabor reflected on how it inspired his current administration to remain dedicated to bringing honor to the university and to continue the legacy of CatSU-JPIA.“As the president of JPIA-CatSU, I always tell my officers to stand firm to their sworn duties and responsibilities, explore, and expand our networks to preserve and continue the legacy of JPIA-CatSU… These awards reflect how the previous federation officers of JPIA-CatSU made an impact on the dedication and commitment of this year’s federation officers, advisers, and members,” Tabor recounted.
Following his lecture about Catanduanes Component of the Bikol Multilingual Corpus at Catanduanes State University (CatSU) on June 26, 2023, Bikolano linguist and Ph.D. student-researcher from the University of Hawai’i, Manoa, Louward Allen Zubiri encouraged language faculty members from CatSU to contribute to the Bicol Multilingual Corpus (BMC) Project, the largest corpus of child-directed and child speech in any Philippine language. According to Zubiri, faculty-participants from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUMSS) and College of Education (COEd) can build the Northern Catanduanes subcorpora by focusing on the varieties on the northern part of the island and investigating the intergenerational transmission through documentation of the input to and output of multilingual Bikolano children. Through this community-driven initiative, faculty members will be capacitated to conduct their own research on the Catandunganon Bikol language using various linguistic approaches, further strengthening CatSU’s advocacy in promoting inclusivity and language diversity on the island through community-based research. Upon the project’s completion, the BMC will serve as a model for combining language acquisition and documentation techniques to study the language development and use of emergent multilingual children. The Hawai’i-based linguist likewise pledged to come back to the island next year to conduct a seminar-workshop on language documentation and its methodologies. Zubiri was invited to serve as the speaker on the above-cited lecture which was spearheaded by the CatSU Research and Development Services (RDS) in collaboration with the Center for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPDS). Presently, he is also a Visiting Research Fellow for Summer 2023 at his alma mater school, UP Diliman, where he completed his BA and MA in Linguistics.
For 25-year-old Engr. Divina V. Gonzales, acing the 6th spot in the Master Plumbers Licensure Examination (MPLE) was not easy, defying all odds to achieve greatness as a full-time structural engineer while self-reviewing for the board examination.But through her hard work and perseverance, the cum laude civil engineering graduate of the Catanduanes State University turned the impossible into possible after the results of the July 2023 MPLE unfolded, and was still in utter disbelief.Raised in Hawan Grande, in the capital town of Virac, this young achiever attained a rating of 85.70 percent and bested 5,107 other examinees across the country. “Hanggang ngayon ‘di pa rin ako makapaniwala dahil kaonti po ‘yong oras ko sa review at sinabay ko po ‘iyon sa trabaho. May mga tanong na ‘di ko na-encounter during self-review,” Gonzales shared in an interview.“Pero sobrang saya ko kasi knowing na nagbunga ‘yong pinaghirapan ko, kahit maraming beses ako pinanghinaan ng loob. Ipinagpatuloy ko lang para sa sarili at pamilya ko,” she added.Chartering a different pathUnlike many aspiring master plumbers who join review centers, Engr. Gonzales decided to take a different route. With her full-time job, she undertook a self-review journey.“Pagkatapos ng office hours, pagod na physically at mentally, ‘di na po ako nakaka-review nang maayos. Wala rin akong maayos na space para mag-review dahil may mga kasama po ako sa staffhouse at lights off na usually ng 10-11 p.m., kaya nagbabasa na lang po ako ng reviewer sa phone,” she shared.But drawing inspiration from her parents’ struggle in raising five children, the daughter of a surveyor and a housewife persisted in achieving her ultimate goal.“Nakita ko ‘yong hirap nila para makapag-aral kaming magkakapatid. Gusto ko lang po silang mabigyan ng mas maayos na buhay. Ang sarap lang po sa pakiramdam na nakakatulong na ako sa kanila,” Gonzales said. Mapping out opportunitiesDuring her five years stay at CatSU after graduation in 2019, the native Viracnon not only excelled in academics but also in off-campus competitions, learning to always enter a door of opportunities.“As CatSU student, you have to make the most out of every opportunity na binibigay sayo. Ilang beses din ako nabigyan ng chance para i-represent ang CatSU sa iba’t ibang contest, at dahil dito na-invite ako ng isang review center upang bigyan ng free review for civil engineering board exam kasama na lodging,” she recounted. One of the contests she joined with flying colors was the 37th National Civil Engineering Students Quiz as a grand finalist, after notching first place at the regional level.Her achievement did not end after graduation, falling short of only two points to the Top 1o spot at the National level, she attained an incredible rating of 89.35% during the November licensure examination for civil engineers. Setting wise cues Imparting advice to fellow CatSUans to pass and even top the board exam, Engr. Gonzales shared some important tips to follow: study routine, possess self-discipline, take care of one’s health, focus, and avoid distractions.“Be consistent and make studying a habit. Kailangan sanayin ang sarili sa pagsagot ng exams sa reviewers para pagdating ng actual na board exam ‘di ka na mabibigla at medyo confident ka nang sumagot,” Gonzales stated.“Gumawa ka ng sarili mong schedule at magbigay ng extra effort para masundan ito. Make studying easier. Hindi mo kailangang kabisaduhin lahat ng nasa reviewer word by word. Puwede kang gumawa ng patterns and mnemonics, or i-relate mo sa ibang bagay ‘yong inaaral mo,” she added. Also, the master plumber topnotcher advised the takers to avoid distractions and always set priorities.“Magpahinga rin nang tama sa oras at alagaan ang katawan. Balewala lahat ng aral mo kung magkakasakit ka sa mismong araw ng exam,” Engr. Gonzales added. With her unwavering spirit, Engr. Gonzales has proven that she is not just a master plumber but a master of life's extraordinary journey. She has now etched her name in the records of CatSU’s historical feats and serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring engineers, especially for young women, for taking the uncharted path and now standing with pride in the middle of a less traveled road. #AGC
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) made headlines as a trailblazer in green, inclusive, and sustainable development, with the groundbreaking of the first Knowledge, Innovation, Science and Technology (KIST) park in the Bicol region.The initiative was driven by CatSU President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, who actively advocated for the project's approval from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), working closely with Governor Joseph "Boboy" C. Cua and the then Director General Charito "Ching" B. Plaza.PEZA Director General Tereso "Teo" O. Panga played a crucial role in providing essential information at the national level, ensuring the success of the endeavor with the full support of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos.On May 25, 2023, the groundbreaking ceremony for the KIST Park and agro-industrial processing zone took place, marking a significant milestone in CatSU's history. This is considered major milestone at CatSU, as these KIST Park and agro-industrial processing zone exemplify model economic zones that prioritize environmentally conscious and sustainable practices.The projects will utilize idle lands at CatSU, mobilizing cooperation among farmers, non-government organizations, business chambers, scientists, researchers, and key players in the information technology and agro-sector supply chains.The conversion of idle lands of CatSU into a KIST Park and Agro-Industrial Economic Zone will potentially change the future of the whole province of Catanduanes and benefit its 263,000 residents. The projects are projected to bring in a total of P1.55 billion in investments, promising a significant boost to the local economy.
Master Plumbers Licensure Examination (MPLE) 6th Placer Engr. Divina V. Gonzales receives her P100,000 cash incentive and a certificate from Catanduanes State University (CatSU), through President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, along with Gonzales’ parents and Radyo Pilipinas - Catanduanes Station Manager Arlene O. Bagadiong today, August 7. “Dakulang tabang ini sa samong pamilya and para sa mga ma-take ning board exam mag-adal ning patanos para igwang balik,” Engr. Gonzales said in an interview at Radyo Pilipinas. Joining her daughter to receive the cash incentive, Vilma V. Gonzales, the mother of the topnotcher, extended her gratitude to the university and recognized the effort of Dr. Azanza as this was the first-time in the university’s history to grant a P100,000 cash incentive to a board topnotcher. “Gapasalamat ning dakula buda pareho ning aki, dae man ako makapaniwala sa inot na nag-topnotcher siya,” Engr. Gonzales’ mother shared.With a rating of 85.70%, Engr. Gonzales, 25, bested 5,107 other examinees and made it to the list of topnotchers as announced by the Professional Regulation Commission on July 19, 2023.
In accordance with the DBM-CHED Joint Circular No. 3, s. 2022, the Catanduanes State University, through its Academic Service Division spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs in partnership with the Federated Faculty Union, organized the Orientation on the Reclassification of Faculty Positions on Thursday, July 27, at the university gymnasium.Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, the faculty regent, gave an overview of the Guiding Principles for DBM CHED JC No. 3, s. 2022, which covered the point system for professor ranks, cycle evaluation, and merit promotion. She also presented the entirety of the Professional Certification process. Meanwhile, Prof. Moreno D. Tabios Jr., a faculty member from the Math Department of the College of Science, presented the Appreciation of Documentary Evidences required in the evaluation of faculty reclassification. Moreover, during the orientation proper, Prof. Tabios elaborated on the criteria and its supplemental guidelines that are grouped into four (4) Key Result Areas (KRAs), namely: (1) Instruction; (2) Research, Invention and Creative Work; (3) Extension; & (4) Professional Development. In the afternoon session, Dr. Gemma G. Acedeo, Vice President for Academic Affairs, discussed the summary of faculty position classification, its forms and applications. CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza thanked the faculty members of both campuses for their enthusiasm and interest. The president shared the good news about the extension given by CHED as the deadline for submission, which is on August 15, and reminded the importance of being on time. He also encouraged all the College deans to assist their respective faculty members to be able to comply. After the orientation and workshop proper, an Open Forum followed which engaged the faculty members in a Q&A Session, and queries were addressed. Ms. Sionne May T. Crispino, the Head of Human Resources Management Services (HRMS), explained the flow of the evaluation procedure.Relatively, the DBM-CHED Joint Circular No. 3, s. 2022, entitled: “𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘗𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦𝘴 (𝘚𝘜𝘊𝘴),” aims to carry out the following objectives, to wit: (1) To provide an updated and revised policies and guidelines for the reclassification of faculty positions across SUCs; (2) To serve as the basis for policy decisions for faculty development in SUCs; and (3) To motivate a faculty to upgrade his/her rank and compensation by improving his/her academic qualifications, achievements, and performance.
Through the joint efforts between the Catanduanes State University (CatSU), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and other stakeholders, various projects involving rice component, livestock/dairy, and AgroForestry were presented during the launching of the Panganiban Rural and Agricultural Development Project on June 28, 2023. Following the launching, Dr. Renato Vega from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and a UP Los Baños professor, gave a lecture and distributed a sample of 20 rice varieties to the rice farmer-participants. Dr. Liborio S. Cabanilla, executive director of the UPLB College of Economics and Management Alumni Foundation, Inc. extended his gratitude to CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza for accepting the invitation to implement the project at Panganiban Campus. “As the premier Agricultural Educational Institution in the community, CatSU is seen as a vital partner in achieving the project's objectives,” he expressed.Among the other stakeholder partners was the Panganiban Local Government Unit (LGU), and the partnership aims to drive sustainable rural and agricultural development in the island-province.The event featured presentations outlining the project components and delineating the specific responsibilities of each partner. Following a short program, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding was held between the community stakeholders involved, symbolizing their strong commitment to the pursuit of empowering the local communities and paving the way for a vibrant agricultural sector in Panganiban.
